French President Emmanuel Macron has named former Brexit chief negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured) as the country's next prime minister, the Elysee Palace announced on Thursday. Barnier has been tasked with forming "a unifying government in the service of the country," the presidency announced.
The 73-year-old politician previously held the role of European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services and served as Vice President of the European People's Party (EPP) before heading the task force overseeing the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. Barnier also sought to take on Macron during the 2021 presidential elections but failed to garner necessary support.
Barnier, a senior figure in the right-wing Republicans (LR), will replace Gabriel Attal, who was appointed earlier this year and has been serving as interim prime minister since July. Macron's decision to name Barnier as the prime minister puts an end to nearly two months of political deadlock following the president's call for snap elections.
